Youngsters bring value to community

The success of several youngsters involved with St John show great determination and value to the community, the manager for the Oamaru youth division says.

Waitaki Boys’ High School students Samuel Wilson, 17, and Josef Taylor, 16, and Waitaki Girls’ High School student Nicole Pollack, 18, received the highest St John Youth award, the Grand Prior Award, last year by completing 12 gold badges.

Oamaru North School student Jayde Read, 8, became the first person in Oamaru since St John Youth restarted four years ago to receive the Super Penguin award, meaning she completed all nine badges of the junior programme.

St John Oamaru youth division manager Felicity McCrone said having young people who were motivated were hugely important to the community.

“They’ve worked really hard.”

These children would hopefully continue with St John but if not they were the type of children who would volunteer in the community later on in life.

Jayde had gone out of her way to get the award and it showed great determination, Mrs McCrone said.

“She’s just so proud of herself and her badges.”

It had taken her about two years to complete the award and she received a soft toy penguin from the Blue Penguin Colony with all the badges sewn on.

Josef, Samuel and Nicole went through an intensive programme to gain the 12 badges needed and gave up a lot of family time to get the Grand Prior award, Mrs McCrone said.

Samuel said it was nice to have accomplished the award.

There were 45 children between the ages of six and 18 who belonged to the youth division of St John.

They meet every Monday evening and start back for the year on February 10.

Currently they are looking for more children aged 6-10 this year and anyone wanting to join can call 434 0280 or email stjohnyouthoamaru@gmail.com.